UK to deploy reservists in battle against Ebola

The UK’s regular and reserve personnel from across the three services are going through their final preparations prior to their deployment to Sierra Leone on 20 December in fight against Ebola epidemic in Africa.

The nine-day, mission-specific training at the Army Medical Services Training Centre is aimed at assessing and development of clinical and organisational processes.

As part of the exercise, personnel executed some parts of the exercise in a hangar transformed into a mock-up field hospital taking care of simulated casualties.

Together with the UK military personnel, members of the Canadian military and Danish healthcare workers also joined the training.

UK Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Francois said: "Our armed forces have already played a leading role supporting the UK’s efforts to tackle Ebola and I welcome the deployment of reservist personnel to continue that crucial work.

"During my visit to Sierra Leone last month, I witnessed the impressive contribution the military has provided to the fight against Ebola thus far; by treating infected healthcare workers, providing protective equipment training at the Ebola Training Academy, assisting in the build of 6 treatment units and providing logistical support across our operations."

Upon being deployed to Sierra Leone, personnel will assume operations from clinicians close to 22 Field Hospital, who have been running the 12-bed facility reserved to treat healthcare workers with Ebola since October.

During late October, about 150 additional UK Army personnel dispatched for Sierra Leone, joining already arrived over 300 soldiers, as part of joint Defence operation to support the UK Aid mission to address the Ebola outbreak.

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Image: Army reservists being trained on how to don personal protective equipment. Photo: courtesy of Crown copyright.